IT was a one-sided affair for the most part. The FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded in the early hours of Monday for Pakistani viewers, with Spain receiving a well-deserved second star for their team jersey after a domineering performance that saw them outplay defending champions Argentina in extra time to win the game 1-0. From the kick-off, Spain seemed intent on providing viewers a masterclass, with their offence successfully controlling the momentum for most of the game while their defence repeatedly frustrated Argentina’s efforts to get the ball to their star player, Lionel Messi. Though the teams remained goalless for the better part of the match, it was clear which one was the better side. The winning goal, scored by substitute Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, sealed the deal. The final whistle concluded a tournament that will be remembered as much for Spain’s glory as the scandals that dogged it off the football field. Even the final fixture was not without controversy. There were reports that tickets for the final had risen north of $10,000 as the football body’s controversial pricing pushed prices to record highs.

There was also what is now called the ‘Balogun affair’. US President Donald Trump, taking advantage of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s fawning appeasement of him, had a red card against American player Folarin Balogun suspended over a phone call with Mr Infantino. There was fierce backlash from UEFA and international teams over what was justifiably seen as political overreach undermining the spirit of the game. Nor can one forget the treatment the Iranian football team was subjected to by the host country, which forced the guests to camp in neighbouring Mexico and shuttle across the border for every match, because Washington insisted on strict 24-hour visa entry/exit restrictions. Mention must also be made of Egypt’s unfortunate crash-out against Argentina, blamed by the losing side and fans on FIFA’s questionable refereeing and review processes, which also became a hot topic for conspiracy theories and criticism over the remainder of the tournament. It is hoped that the misgivings will be forgotten before the next edition of the Cup. Still, it says something for the game’s pull that scandal barely dented America’s newfound enthusiasm for it. One wonders, though, if they are yet ready to call it football, like the rest of the world.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2026